Boone County elderly advocacy group looks for new leader

BELVIDERE — The Boone County Council on Aging is seeking a new leader to oversee the community’s elderly services. The Council has started accepting applications to fill the non-profit agency’s executive director position. Its current leader, John Slattengren, submitted his resignation in late December, effective in March.

BELVIDERE — The Boone County Council on Aging is seeking a new leader to oversee the community’s elderly services.

The Council has started accepting applications to fill the non-profit agency’s executive director position. Its current leader, John Slattengren, submitted his resignation in late December, effective in March.

The position entails communicating with officials and community groups to fundraise. It also includes overseeing a staff of about 60 who decipher technical information for older generations, help qualified individuals apply for aid and provide various community programs.

“It’s just critical that the person learns or brings with them the ability to communicate and represent the BCCA to the older generations in this county,” said Dean Condell, chairman of the Council’s Board of Directors.

To narrow the candidate pool, the Council will pay Staff Management, Inc., of Morrissey Family Businesses, up to $4,200 not including newspaper advertisements. Slattengren said the Board will interview about five finalists before selecting a new director.

The new director will likely be hired before his resignation becomes effective to ensure a smooth transition.

He said his replacement will be challenged to consistently generate money through local fundraisers, grants and donations. It’s essential the person can spread the Council’s initiative and future plans to its Board of Directors, officials and residents.

“Every day, there are different things you have to oversee,” Slattengren said.